Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Camping Stove

Posted by Andy Neil on Jul 15, 2024

Camping stoves are an essential part of any hiking or camping adventure. They provide a reliable means to cook meals and boil water. Choosing the right stove can significantly enhance your outdoor experience. Let’s delve into the various types of camping stoves, their pros and cons, and the best scenarios for their use. Before selecting any outdoor gear, it's crucial to consider your specific …
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NEMO Equipment Founder & CEO Cam Brensinger Interview

Posted by Andy Neil on Jul 08, 2024

Last month, we had the privilege of hosting Cam Brensinger, the founder and CEO of Nemo. Cam, who established Nemo in 2002, was kind enough to sit down with us and answer a few questions on the company's origins, the process of bringing ideas to market, and the vital role of brands in championing sustainable design. 1. What inspired your decision to start NEMO? How did your upbringing influen …
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Spring and Summer 2024 Highlights

Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 13, 2024

We promise you, it is actually summer. Although a glance out the window could lead one to believe that spring will lead straight into autumn this year, there are still some bright spots on the horizon that can offer solace and excitement. We are now halfway through 2024, and there has already been an abundance of new gear for us to get excited about. Okay, this one is a cheat. It's not a …
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Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Backpack and Sattelite Bag Review - “An exceptional choice for shorter, lighter excursions and will see plenty of use in the future.”

Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 12, 2024

When Black Diamond announced the Beta Light 45 backpack earlier this year, I was intrigued by its unique appearance and impressive stats. Black Diamond kindly provided the Beta Light 45 backpack and the Beta Light Pack Sattelite Bag for my upcoming TGO Challenge, a two-week coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. The Beta Light 45 and Beta Light Pack Sattelite Bag feature a sleek, modern de …
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Andy's 2024 TGO Challenge

Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 05, 2024

The Great Outdoors Challenge (TGO) is an esteemed annual long-distance walking event in the UK, which takes place every May. The event covers around 200 miles (320 kilometres) through the stunning Scottish Highlands, offering participants - known as 'Challengers' - a remarkable journey from the west coast to the east coast of Scotland. The TGO is not a race but an opportunity for outd …
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Condensation in Single Skin Tents: Causes and Mitigation

Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 04, 2024

Single-walled tents offer significant benefits compared to double-walled ones in weight and size reduction. They are considerably lighter and more compact. Utilising trekking poles for structure, they provide ample headroom in liveable space, and often have spacious vestibules. However, single-walled tents are infamous for excessive condensation due to the lack of a barrier between the …
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Gossamer Gear’s The Two Review - “The Two allowed me to complete the TGO challenge with a lighter pack load while enjoying enough room to spread out at camp.”

Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 04, 2024

For this year's TGO challenge, a demanding two-week coast-to-coast journey across Scotland, I sought to reduce the weight of my pack without sacrificing the headroom, living space, and large vestibules I have come to enjoy with my trusty Hilleberg Anaris. Having traversed the country with the Anaris on four previous occasions, I decided to try a different trekking pole tent, Goss …
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Suunto and Sunslice: Navigating and Power on the TGO

Posted by Andy Neil on May 20, 2024

Hiking the TGO (The Great Outdoors Challenge) requires dependable equipment that can endure the rigors of long-distance trekking. During my journey, two standout pieces of gear were the Suunto Vertical watch and the Sunslice Fusion Flex 12 solar panel. Here’s my on-trail review of how these devices performed and why they are indispensable for any serious hiker. From the first day on the tr …
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On-Trail Review: MSR Titan Kettle 900ml, MSR Titanium Double Wall Mug, and MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe

Posted by Andy Neil on May 20, 2024

As I traverse the rugged and breathtaking landscape of Scotland on the TGO Challenge, the importance of reliable and lightweight gear becomes increasingly evident. After a long day of trekking through moors and over mountains, my MSR Titan Kettle 900ml, MSR Titanium Double Wall Mug, and MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove have proven to be indispensable cookware companions. The updated&nbs …
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TGO Kit List Highlights 2024

Posted by Andy Neil, Danny Pearson and Lois Fife on May 02, 2024

May means one thing in the Ultralight office: The Great Outdoors Challenge, or the TGO, for short. We are incredibly proud to sponsor this communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. This year, Lois, Danny, and I are taking part in this years crossing. Lois is embarking on her first, and Danny and I are attempting our third TGO challenge.The TGO Challenge is a unique coast-to-coast trek across S …
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Exped's Lightest Ever Kit List

Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 30, 2024

Exped has been crafting cutting-edge camping and backpacking gear in the great Swiss outdoors since 1983. Two students passionate about adventure founded the company, and sustainability remains a central focus. Exped has become renowned for its ultra-lightweight and compact designs, delivering exceptional performance without compromise. Summer is the perfect time to escape into nature on a mu …
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Gossamer Gear’s updated Mariposa. What's changed?

Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 12, 2024

n the dynamic realm of outdoor gear, Gossamer Gear consistently stands out for its commitment to innovation and performance. Their flagship 60l backpack, the Mariposa, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. This backpack is exceptional; we have reviewed it twice, it's that good. It was an absolute pleasure to use on my first TGO challenge in 2022. The latest iteration of …
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